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Science 10
Quarter 2
Lesson 3: Qualitative Characteristics of Images

In this lesson, the learners should be able to:

1. predict the qualitative characteristics (orientation, type, and magnification) of images formed
by plane and curved mirrors and lenses (S10FE-IIg-50); and

2. apply ray diagramming techniques in describing the characteristics and position of images
formed by mirrors and lenses.

Qualitative Characteristics of Images

Light is form of energy that you can see! Every day, light waves reflect on objects and into your
eyes, which allows you to see the objects. Light also helps you identify objects both near and far.

Reflection of Light in Mirrors

The laws of reflection state that:

1. the incident ray, the reflected ray, and the normal line to the reflecting surface all lie in the
same plane; and

2. the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

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Reflection in Plane Mirror

When light hits an object, every part of that object reflects light in all direction. Some of the
reflected light reaches our eyes. Thus, we can see an object.

Characteristics of images formed by a plane mirror:

1. Image is virtual;
2. Same size as the object;
3. Same orientation as the object; and
4. Same distance from the mirror as the object.

Types of Reflection of Light

a. Specular/Regular reflection - It is defined as light reflected from a smooth surface at a definite angle.

b. Diffused/Irregular Reflection. It is produced by rough surfaces that tend to reflect light in all
directions.
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The phenomenon by which a ray of light changes the direction of propagation when it strikes a
boundary between different media through which it cannot pass is described as the reflection of light.

If the bundle of light rays is incident upon a smooth surface, then the light rays reflect and
remain concentrated in a bundle upon leaving the surface. On the other hand, if the surface is
microscopically rough, the light rays will reflect and diffuse in many different directions.

Mirror Left-Right Reversal

If you view an image of yourself in a plane mirror (perhaps a bathroom mirror), you will quickly
notice that there is an apparent left-right reversal of the image. That is, if you raise your left hand, you
will notice that the image raises what would seem to be its right hand. If you raise your right hand, the
image raises what would seem to be its left hand. This is often termed left-right reversal.

The letters in front of the ambulance are written laterally. This is because when seen in rear
view mirror by another vehicle, the image of the word would get inverted, letting the driver read the
word properly so that he can provide way to the ambulance.
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Reflection on Spherical Mirrors

Most curved mirrors are called spherical mirrors because their shape follows the surface of a sphere.

Two Kinds of Spherical Mirrors:

1. The Concave Mirror

• It reflects light inward to one focal point. It is used to focus light.
• Also known as converging mirror has a reflecting surface that is recessed inward (away from the
incident light).

2. The Convex Mirror

• Also known diverging mirror is a curved mirror in which the reflective surface bulges towards the light
source.
• Convex mirrors reflect light outwards; therefore they are not used to focus light.
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There are two types of images formed by reflecting surfaces.

Ray Diagram and Image Formation by Plane Mirror

A plane mirror makes an image of objects in front of the mirror; the image appears to be behind the
plane in which the mirror lies. An image is formed by reflection when two or more reflected rays of a
point meet at a single point. The image is formed at the point of intersection of the reflected rays.
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Images Formed by Curved Mirrors

In locating the image formed in curved mirror graphically, six important points are considered. The
following important points are enumerated below.

• Center of Curvature, – the center of the sphere whose surface forms the curved mirror

• Focal Point, – where the light rays meet

• Vertex, – the point where the principal axis meets the mirror

• Principal Axis – the straight line passing through the center of curvature to the mirror

• Focal Length, – the distance from the focal point to the vertex

• Radius of Curvature, – the distance from the vertex to the center of the curvature

Since the focal point is the midpoint of the line segment adjoining the vertex and the center of
curvature, the focal length would be one-half the radius of curvature.

Location, Orientation, Size, and Type of Image Formed in Concave Mirror

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Location, Orientation, Size, and Type of Image Formed in Convex Mirror

Difference Between Convex and Concave Lens